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Newhouse Joins Groundbreaking Clean Energy Announcement

April 1, 2021

TRi Energy Partnership to build nation’s first commercial advanced nuclear reactor in Tri-Cities

RICHLAND, WA – Today, Rep. Newhouse joined Energy Northwest, Grant County Public Utility District (Grant PUD), and X-energy for the commencement of the TRi Energy Partnership. These organizations are partnering to evaluate, develop, and build a commercial Xe-100 advanced reactor at a previously licensed site north of Richland, Washington. Through the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, this will be the nation's first commercial advanced nuclear reactor.

"When the Department of Energy announced the awardees of the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program last year, I called it a ‘game-changer' for the Tri-Cities. Today, our local leaders stand upon the hard work, the history, and the innovative leadership developed over decades to announce the next step in that game-changing announcement," said Rep. Newhouse. "The TRi Energy Partnership is not only going to help shape the future of clean energy innovation for the Tri-Cities and Central Washington, but for the entire nation."

He continued, "By laying this important groundwork, X-energy, Energy Northwest, and Grant PUD are exemplifying why this proposed project is deserving of the federal government's confidence and continued support. Because of this collaboration, I am confident the TRi Energy Partnership is going to be a model for other leaders across the country to secure our nation's clean energy future."

The TRi Energy Partnership will provide invaluable carbon-free electricity to the grid, create new jobs and economic growth, establish the foundation for new renewable energy projects, and help achieve our climate goals with affordable, reliable energy.

X-energy LLC received an Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) award from the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Northwest joined as a partner on the ARDP application. Grant PUD is joining the partnership to help meet the carbon-free energy needs of their growing customer base in Grant County, Washington.

Background:

ARDP, within the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy, is designed to help domestic private industry demonstrate advanced nuclear reactor in the United States.

Under the Fiscal Year 2020 budget, DOE received $230 million to start a new demonstration program for advanced reactors. ARDP elements include Advanced Reactor Demonstration, Risk Reduction for Future Demonstrations, Regulatory Development, and Advanced Reactor Safeguards.

Click here to learn more about ARDP.

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